Can You Sleep With Hearing Aids?

Yes, you can sleep with hearing aids! The exact instructions vary depending on the type of device you have, but here are some common tips to help ensure a comfortable night’s rest:

• Talk To Your Audiologist – It’s important to check with your audiologist for specific instructions on how to use your hearing aid when going to sleep as some devices are not designed for long-term wearing or sleeping with overnight.
• Use A Hearing Aid Dehumidifier – Wearing a hearing aid increases the moisture content in your ear canal, which can cause discomfort and accelerate wax buildup in the device over time. To reduce this risk, consider investing in a dehumidifier that can be placed next to the bed and used throughout the night for improved comfort.
• Use A Soft Lining Or Foam Earplug – If your device allows it, consider using a foam ear plug or soft lining around your ears at night to keep them comfortable while eliminating external noise so you can get a good night’s rest.
• Follow Your Regular Cleaning Routine – Even if you’re wearing your hearing aids overnight, make sure you follow your regular cleaning routine (such as brushing away any accumulated earwax or keeping an eye out for signs of infection) to avoid any potential issues in the future. Call El Dorado Hearing to schedule an ear cleaning to prevent blockages and remove earwax buildup that could cause pain and inflammation. 

Reasons to avoid wearing hearing aids at night

It’s important to speak with your audiologist before deciding whether or not to wear your hearing aid at night in order to receive personalized advice and guidance. In general, here are some reasons why you may want to avoid wearing a hearing aid while asleep:

• Risk Of Ear Infection – Wearing a hearing aid overnight increases the moisture content inside the ear canal which can lead to an increased risk of an ear infection if it’s not kept clean. Speak with your doctor about ways to effectively remove the buildup of wax and keep the device clean before sleeping with it.
• Interference With Sleep Quality – Loud sounds from outside sources can be amplified through a hearing aid which can disrupt restful sleep and prevent you from getting enough quality rest during the night. If you’re concerned about this, consider investing in an appropriate fitting or over-ear protection device that can help block out any external noise that may interfere with a good night’s sleep.
• Damage To The Device – Sleeping in a hearing aid increases the chances of accidental damage due to tossing and turning during the night, such as twisted wires or broken-off pieces that need replacing. Be sure to inspect your device after each use and take extra care when handling it while sleeping.

How Hearing Aids Benefit Your Health

One option that’s gaining popularity is the use of hearing aids, which not only improve the clarity and quality of sound you hear, but they can also provide numerous health benefits. Here’s how wearing a hearing aid can benefit your overall health:

1. Improved Cognitive Function – Studies have shown that people with untreated hearing loss tend to experience more cognitive decline than those with healthy hearing. Wearing a hearing aid can help reverse this effect by providing clearer sound which allows for better listening and improved concentration when trying to process language or other auditory tasks.
2. Reduced Stress Levels – Living with untreated hearing loss has been linked to higher levels of stress due to having difficulty understanding conversations, missing out on important information, or feeling embarrassed in social situations due to not being able to hear well. Wearing a hearing aid reduces these frustrations and improves communication which leads to lower stress levels for many users.
3. Reduced Risk Of Falls & Injury – People with untreated hearing loss have been found to have an increased risk of falls and serious injuries due to poor balance and coordination while walking or performing other activities. Wearing a hearing aid provides improved auditory cues that can help avoid slipping or tripping hazards before they become an issue resulting in improved safety overall.

These are just some of the ways wearing a hearing aid can benefit your health both physically and mentally – so if you suspect you may be suffering from any degree of Tinnitus/hearing impairment, be sure to speak with El Dorado Hearing as soon as possible about getting fitted for the appropriate hearing aid solution for your needs.